Nutritional interventions designed to improve zinc status in humans are similar to those considered for nutrients that have public health relevance: iron, iodine and vitamin A.

Populations with limited resources are at a greater risk of suffering from micronutrient undernutrition, although its consumption does not necessarily increases with better income, due to the lack of information by the consumer regarding the content of vitamins and minerals in food. This population group, despite of being able of identifying hunger and satiety, is unable to experience a natural appetite for vitamins and minerals, and neither realize the need for, nor the type of food that provides them.

Most micronutrients are mostly concentrated in very few foods, thus, a more abundant or diverse diet may not necessarily increase their intake. Additionally to the micronutrient content of several commonly consumed foods, it is important to consider the presence of promoters and/or inhibitors that may affect their absorption.

Foods rich in zinc include human milk, seafood, liver, fish, red meats, cereals (germ), cow milk and pulses. In vegetable-based foods, it is important to consider the content of zinc absorption inhibitors, importantly, phytate, tannin and calcium.

The actions directed to improve zinc status in the general population or in vulnerable risk groups with the goal of increasing the consumption and/or reducing the intake of absorption inhibitors fall in three categories: a) nutritional education, b) active distribution of supplements, and c) food or water fortification. Additionally, as in the case of vitamin A, zinc therapy may be indicated as part of the nutritional treatment of diarrheal conditions in children.

In order to define the need for a nutritional intervention with zinc, as in the case with other micronutrients, a current and reliable diagnosis of its deficiency and adequate identification of risk groups is required. Unfortunately, in the case of zinc, we still lack an adequate laboratory test to demonstrate its deficiency which prevents determination of any evaluation impact.